Richard E. Aastrup

Richard E. Aastrup, 64, of Manly, IA, died Friday, July 10, 2015, at the VA Health Clinic in Minneapolis, MN. Memorial services will be 6:30 PM on Friday, July 17, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Inurnment will be at 1:45 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, with Pastor Alan Naumann officiating. Family and friends should meet in Assembly Area 2 at 1:30 PM. Memorials may be directed to the Richard Aastrup memorial fund in care of the family.

Richard was born April 28, 1951, in Mason City, the son of Robert E. and Verna (Clausen) Aastrup. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1969. In 1971, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country until his honorably discharge in 1973. He then joined the Army Reserves until 1977. Richard was united in marriage to Kathie Witte on October 15, 1983, in Mason City. He farmed most of his life. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed working on cars and playing with his dogs. Richard was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 440 of Thornton, IA, along with his father, grandfather and uncle.

Richard is survived by his wife of 31 years: Kathie Aastrup of Manly; 2 sons: Ryan Aastrup of Manly and Kristopher Aastrup and significant other: Serena Easley of Mason City; his parents: Robert and Verna Aastrup of Mason City; and 1 sister: Jeannine Caskey and husband Ron of Firestone, CO. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.